Solution for controlling supply of electrical energy from battery system to elevator system

Abstract

There is provided a battery system (100) for supplying electrical energy to an elevator system (200), the battery system (100) comprising a battery module (120) comprising a plurality of battery cells (125), a battery management unit (110) configured to obtain measurement data from at least one sensor (140) associated with the battery system (100), a communication interface (130) for communicatively connecting the battery system (100) to the elevator system (200), and a power interface (150) for transferring electrical energy between the elevator system (200) and the battery system (100). An elevator drive system, an elevator system, a computer-implemented method and a computer program are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of elevator systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing electrical energy from a battery system to an elevator system. Background Art

[0002] In all cases where an external power reserve (such as a battery) is connected to a conveyor system to supply electrical energy to the conveyor system when needed. For example, this need may arise in the event of a power failure in the power grid arranged to supply power to the conveyor system under discussion.

[0003] On the other hand, the battery used as an external power reserve also poses a safety risk in the building where the conveyor system is located. The risk level depends at least in part on the type of battery under discussion, but for example, lithium-ion batteries (also known as Li-ion batteries) may face a so-called thermal runaway situation, which may lead to fire, explosion, jet flames, and toxic emissions. If an elevator car is carrying passengers in the event of a thermal runaway and stops, for example, at a position in the elevator shaft that prevents the passengers from leaving the elevator car, the lives of the passengers may be lost within a very short period of time. Other types of batteries may also experience corresponding situations.

[0004] For the above reasons, the battery associated with the conveyor system, especially the battery associated with the elevator system, should be in a state that minimizes the risk of failure when the battery is used in the context of the conveyor system. According to the prior art solutions, this risk is minimized by indicating the proper handling of the battery (e.g., regarding the transportation, storage, installation, use, maintenance, and recycling of the battery). This is important, but unfortunately, it does not provide information on how the battery is actually handled throughout its life.

[0005] Therefore, there is room to introduce solutions that can monitor the handling history of the battery with a predetermined accuracy and take it into account. Therefore, there is room to introduce a solution in this field that monitors the battery for at least a part of the life of the battery in order to generate information describing the handling of the battery under discussion, and takes this information into account when making decisions about using the battery to supply electrical energy to the conveyor system when needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following presents a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various inventive embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is neither intended to identify the key or important elements of the present invention nor to depict the scope of the present invention. The following overview only presents some concepts of the present invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a battery system, an elevator drive system, an elevator system, a method and a computer program related to supplying electrical energy to an elevator system.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by a battery system, an elevator drive system, an elevator system, a method and a computer program defined by the respective independent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a battery system for supplying electrical energy to an elevator system, the battery system comprising:

[0010] a battery module including a plurality of battery cells for storing electrical energy,

[0011] a battery management unit configured to obtain measurement data from at least one sensor associated with the battery system, the at least one sensor being configured to measure at least one parameter describing the influence of external factors on the battery system,

[0012] a communication interface for communicatively connecting the battery system to the elevator system, and

[0013] a power interface for transferring the electrical energy between the elevator system and the battery system.

[0014] The battery management unit may be configured, for example, to generate a detection result by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the condition of the battery system, thereby controlling the supply of electrical energy to the elevator system through the power interface. The battery management unit may be configured to perform the analysis by comparing the measurement data with reference data. For example, the battery management unit may be configured to enable the supply of electrical energy from the battery cells of the battery module in response to the generation of a detection result indicating acceptable conditions for the battery system to supply electrical energy to the elevator system through the power interface.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery management unit may be configured to send the detection result to the control unit of the elevator system through the communication interface. The battery management unit may be configured to send the detection result, for example, in at least one of the following ways: during a handshake process between the battery system and the elevator system; at a predefined moment during the operation of the elevator system.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the battery management unit may be configured to send at least a portion of the measurement data to a control unit of the elevator system. The battery management unit may be configured to transmit the measurement data in at least one of the following ways: during a handshake process between the battery system (100) and the elevator system; at a predefined moment during operation of the elevator system. Further, the battery management unit may be configured to enable power to be supplied from the battery cells of the battery module in response to receiving an indication of acceptable conditions of the battery system, to supply power to the elevator system from the control unit of the elevator system via a power interface.

[0017] For example, at least one sensor may be configured to measure at least one of the following parameters that describe the impact of external factors on the battery system: acceleration, pressure, temperature, humidity.

[0018] According to a second aspect, there is provided an elevator drive system, comprising:

[0019] An elevator drive control unit,

[0020] A battery system according to the first aspect as defined above.

[0021] The elevator drive control unit may be configured to receive a detection result indicating the status of the battery system supplying power to the elevator system. For example, the elevator drive control unit may be configured to receive the detection result in at least one of the following ways: during a handshake process between the battery system and the elevator system; at a predefined moment during operation of the elevator system. The elevator drive control unit may be configured to enable power to be supplied from the battery system via a power interface in response to receiving a detection result indicating an acceptable status of the battery module.

[0022] In addition, the elevator drive control unit may be configured to receive measurement data from the battery management unit of the battery system. The elevator drive control unit may also be configured to generate a detection result by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the status of the battery system supplying power to the elevator system via a power interface. The elevator drive control unit may be configured to perform the analysis by comparing the measurement data with reference data.

[0023] Optionally or additionally, the elevator drive control unit may be configured to enable power to be supplied from the battery system via a power interface in response to the detection result corresponding to an indication of acceptable conditions of the battery system.

[0024] In addition, the elevator drive control unit may also be configured to transmit data to a remote data center, where the data is at least one of the following: measurement data; detection result; data describing the battery system.

[0025] The elevator drive control unit may also be configured to prevent utilization of the battery system in response to receiving a message from a remote data center.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided an elevator system comprising:

[0027] an elevator apparatus, and

[0028] an elevator drive system according to the second aspect as described above.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for managing the electrical power supply from a battery system to an elevator system, the method comprising:

[0030] receiving measurement data from at least one sensor associated with the battery system,

[0031] generating a detection result by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the condition of the battery system, and

[0032] controlling the electrical power supply from the battery system to the elevator system (100) through a power interface according to the detection result.

[0033] For example, the analysis of the measurement data may be performed by comparing the measurement data with reference data.

[0034] The electrical power supply from the battery system may be enabled in response to the generation of a detection result indicating an acceptable condition for the battery system to supply electrical power to the elevator system through the power interface.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the fourth aspect as defined above.

[0036] The expression "a plurality of" as used herein refers to any positive integer starting from one, for example up to one, two or three.

[0037] The expression "a plurality of" as used herein refers to any positive integer starting from two, for example up to two, three or four.

[0038] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, its additional objects and advantages with respect to the construction and method of operation will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments.

[0039] The verbs “comprise” and “include” are used in this document as open limitations, which neither exclude nor require the presence of features not recited. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features recited in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Further, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an” (i.e., the singular form) throughout this document does not exclude a plurality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In the figures of the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0041] Figure 1 A battery system according to an example is schematically shown.

[0042] Figure 2 A part of an elevator system according to an example is schematically shown.

[0043] Figure 3 A control entity according to an example is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 4 A method according to an example is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The specific examples provided in the description given below should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the lists and groups of examples provided in the description given below are not exhaustive.

[0046] According to some aspects of the invention, a battery system is provided, wherein the battery system is implemented such that it can obtain measurement data from at least one sensor and communicate with an entity of an elevator system, e.g., communicate with a control unit of the elevator system. By the communication, the condition of the battery system can be determined and further actions can be taken, as described in the following description.

[0047] Figure 1Schematically shown is a battery system 100 for supplying electrical energy to an elevator system according to an example embodiment. The battery system 100 includes a battery management unit 110 configured to manage at least some operations of the battery system 100, as described in the upcoming description. In addition, the battery system 100 includes a battery module 120, which includes a plurality of battery cells 125 implemented, for example, with Li-ion battery technology, for storing electrical energy therein in a known manner. The plurality of battery cells 125 can be connected together such that the battery module 120 can supply electrical energy to other entities from a common connector. This also applies to the charging of the battery cells 125. Further, the battery system 100 includes a communication interface 130 to communicatively connect the battery system 100 to the elevator system. The communication interface 130 can include, for example, the necessary hardware and software to implement the communication technology used in communicating with the elevator system. The communication technology can be based on wired or wireless communication. The communication interface 130 can receive data to be exchanged from the battery management unit 110. In addition, the elevator system can also transmit data to the battery system 100 in a manner as described in the following description. In addition, the battery system 100 can be provided with at least one sensor 140 adapted to measure at least one predetermined parameter that describes the influence of external factors on the battery system in one way or another, wherein the measurement data can be obtained by the battery management unit 110. The purpose of using at least one sensor 140 is to obtain data by means of which it can be analyzed how the battery system 100 is handled. One or more sensors 140 can advantageously be associated with positions in the battery system 100 where measurement data suitable for analysis can be collected, i.e., installed at such positions in the battery system 100. Further, the battery system 100 includes a power interface 150 through which the electrical energy stored in the battery cells 125 of the battery module 120 can be supplied to the elevator system associated with the battery system 100. The power interface 150 of the battery system 200 can be controlled by the battery management unit 110 such that at least the output of electrical energy from the battery system 100 can be controlled. The control can, for example, refer to enabling the supply of electrical energy to the elevator system, but at least in some embodiments also refers to disabling it. For example, the interface 150 can include a controllable switch that can follow instructions input from the battery management unit 110 to the interface 150. In some embodiments, the interface 150 can be controlled from an external entity (such as from the elevator system side) as well as from a corresponding control unit therein. The power interface 150 can also be used to charge the battery cells 125 of the battery module 120.

[0048] The (one or more) sensors 140 to be applied can be selected according to the (one or more) parameters to be monitored as desired. For example, the parameter(s) being monitored can be at least one of the following: acceleration, vibration, pressure, temperature, and humidity. The applicable sensor types for measuring at least one of the mentioned parameters can be, for example, an acceleration sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. The location where the sensor 140 is installed in the battery system 100 can depend at least in part on the type of the sensor 140 and what parameter is intended to be measured.

[0049] Regarding the operation of the battery system 100, the energy stored in the battery cells 125 of the battery module 120 can be supplied to the entities of the battery system 100. For example, during the production phase of the battery system 100, the battery cells 120 can be charged with energy to a certain predetermined level so as to be able to supply electrical energy to the entities of the battery system 100 during the period when the battery system 100 is not installed in the elevator system. This charging of the battery cells 125 enables the operation of the battery system 100, and the handling of the battery system 100 can be monitored during the lifetime of the battery, for example, during the storage and transportation of the battery system 100 before the battery system 100 is installed at its terminal location to support the elevator system when needed.

[0050] According to various example embodiments of the present invention, the above operations of the battery system 100 for monitoring the processing of the battery system 100 can be arranged in various ways. Broadly speaking, in view of the present invention, the operation of the battery system 100 can be arranged such that the battery system 100 collects measurement data only from one or more sensors 140 and transmits it as raw data or as manipulated data (such as filtered data) to another entity for analysis. Alternatively, the battery system 100, and in particular the battery management unit 110, can also be arranged to analyze the collected measurement data in a predefined manner and take further actions according to the results of the analysis. Regarding the latter alternative, it can be arranged that the battery management unit 110 can generate a detection result by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the condition of the battery system 100 supplying electrical energy to the elevator system. The analysis can be performed in various ways, but in many embodiments, the analysis can be performed by comparing the measurement data with reference data. For example, the reference data can define one or more limits of various measurement parameters, such as the maximum vibration value or the maximum allowable temperature impact on the battery system 100 and, for example, on the battery modules 120 therein, and if the measured value derived from the measurement data exceeds or deviates from the reference data in any other predefined manner, the reference data can be indicated in the detection result. In this embodiment, the battery management unit 110 can be configured to send the detection result to the elevator system, that is, to the control unit of the electric-driven elevator system, through the communication interface 130 when the battery system 100 is associated (i.e., installed) with the elevator system. For example, when the battery system 100 is associated with the elevator system, the transmission of the detection result can be performed, which at least includes establishing a communication connection between the battery system 100 and the elevator system through the communication interface 130. According to an example embodiment, the transmission of the detection result can be integrated into a so-called handshake procedure, in which the communicating parties agree on a plurality of parameters related to the communication, and the detection result can be sent in this context. This has the advantage that the detection result indicating the condition of the battery system 100 is delivered immediately during installation, and necessary actions can be taken to prevent the risk of using a battery system 100 that is not in the required condition. In addition, according to the present invention, the analysis and / or the handshake procedure can be performed at each moment when the battery system 100 is triggered to be connected to the elevator system 200, for example, when a request is made to transfer electrical energy between the elevator system and the battery system 100. On the other hand, the battery system 100 can be configured to continue monitoring even when associated with the elevator system and determine the detection result in the described manner according to the measurement data. In this case, it can be arranged to transmit the detection result at predefined moments during the operation of the electric-driven elevator system, for example, at each moment when the detection result is generated or when a request is made for the battery system 100 to be connected to the elevator system, or to transmit the detection result at some regular intervals, such as once a day or any similar time.For the sake of clarity, it is worth mentioning that even if it is impossible for the battery system 100 to experience, for example, an external shock when associated with an elevator system, it may still be affected by changes in temperature and / or humidity, and thus, continuous monitoring is continued. When associated with an elevator system, the battery unit 125 can be recharged continuously or at intervals, which then allows the operation of the battery management unit 110 to continue the monitoring operation.

[0051] As mentioned in the previous description, another approach could be that the measurement data or at least a part thereof or even a manipulated measurement data set can be sent to the elevator system and the control unit in the elevator system. Figure 2 An example of a part of the elevator system 200 is schematically shown, and the battery system 100 can be associated with the elevator system 200. The elevator system 200 can include a control unit 210, and the control unit 210 can be configured for one or more operations of the elevator system 200. For example, the control unit 210 can be an elevator drive control unit or any other controller of the elevator system 200. According to the present invention, the control unit 210 can be configured to control the operation of the elevator drive system by generating a control signal thereto, such that the elevator drive system 220 can operate the elevator device 230 in a desired manner. In other words, the elevator device 230 can be, for example, an electric motor to drive a traction pulley to cause the movement of the elevator car in the elevator shaft. Further, the elevator system 200 includes a communication interface 240, and the communication interface 240 is configured to interact with the communication interface 130 of the battery system 100, such that data can be transmitted between the entities and at least from the battery system 100 to the elevator system 200. In terms of the distribution of electrical energy from the battery system 100 to the elevator system 200, the association of the battery system 100 with the elevator system 200 can be arranged together with the power supply interface 250 of the elevator system 200. In other words, the power supply interface 150 of the battery system 100 can be connected to the power supply interface 250 of the elevator system 200. Here, the interface can, for example, refer to an arrangement implemented with suitable connectors at both ends, such as a plug and socket type arrangement. The power supply interface 250 at the elevator system 200 can also be equipped with a controllable switch, and the control can be executed from the control unit 210. It can also be arranged that the control unit 210 can control the controllable switch in the battery system 100 by generating a corresponding control signal to the controllable switch, for example, through the battery management unit 110 through Figure 1 and Figure 2 the communication interfaces represented by 130 and 240 in. Generally speaking, the control Figure 1 and Figure 2The purpose of at least one of the interfaces denoted by 150 and 250 is to enable the distribution of electrical energy from the battery system 100 to the elevator system 200, and / or to disable it, but it is also possible to charge the battery cells 125 of the battery module 120 from the elevator system 200. For the sake of completeness, it is hereby mentioned that in one of the entities, the energy supplied from the battery system 100 to the elevator system 200 can be converted into a suitable type of current, i.e., between AC and DC currents. Such a circuit can be included, for example, in the elevator drive system 220 on the elevator system side.

[0052] As described above, the elevator system 200 and the control unit 210 therein can receive at least a portion of the measurement data in a certain form as described from the battery system 100. The measurement data can be received from the battery management unit 110, which can obtain the measurement data from at least one sensor 140 and send it to the control unit 210 of the elevator system through the communication interfaces 130, 240. In addition, the control unit 210 can also be configured to generate a detection result in a manner similar to the way the battery management unit 110 generates a detection result in the foregoing description. This can include, but is not limited to, the analysis of the measurement data in order to indicate the condition of the battery module 120 supplying electrical energy to the electric drive elevator system 200. For example, as described above, the analysis is performed by comparing the measurement data with reference data.

[0053] The control unit 210 of the elevator system 200 has determined the detection result in any of the described ways, i.e., receiving the detection result from the battery system 100 or deriving the detection result through the analysis based on at least a portion of the measurement data, and in response to this detection result, the control unit 210 can be configured to perform the control of the electrical energy supply from the battery system 100 to the elevator system 200. According to some exemplary embodiments, the control unit 210 can be configured to enable the supply of electrical energy from the battery module 120 in response to the detection result corresponding to an indication of an acceptable condition regarding the battery system 100. This can be arranged by controlling the controllable switches in all the interfaces 150, 250, where such controllable switches exist and need to be controlled to establish an electrical connection from the battery module 120 to the elevator system 200. In this case, the control unit 210 is also arranged to control the interface 150 of the battery system 200. The control unit 210 can be configured to generate an indication of an acceptable condition regarding the battery system 100 to supply electrical energy to the electric drive elevator system 200 and deliver it to the battery management unit 110, and then the battery management unit 110 takes the necessary actions according to this indication. In the case where the indication is affirmative, i.e., indicating that the condition of the battery module 120 is acceptable, the battery management unit 110 triggers the controllable switch 150 to the on state.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment, it can be arranged that both the battery management unit 110 and the control unit 110 of the elevator system 200 are configured to perform an independent analysis of the measurement data and independently control the respective interfaces 150, 250 from each other. In this method, the battery system 100 delivers the measurement data to the control unit 210 of the elevator system 200. Now, the two control entities are configured to independently perform the analysis and control their respective interfaces 150, 250 dedicated to the power supply. This method results in a safer system in which the measurement data is double-checked. This also enables the existing guidelines regarding the acceptance of the condition of the battery module 120 to be followed in a better way. This is because those guidelines can be updated during the period when the battery system 100 resides in the warehouse waiting for its installation, and thus, the rules applied in the analysis can not be updated on the battery system 100 side. In contrast, the rules applied in the analysis can be updated according to the updated guidelines on the elevator system 200 side. Therefore, even if the battery management unit 110 makes other judgments when applying the old guidelines, the control unit 210 of the elevator system 200 can decide that the battery module 120 is not in an acceptable state. Therefore, the battery module 120 will not ultimately be connected to the elevator system 200. Naturally, the opposite may occur if the guidelines are simplified or relaxed.

[0055] For the sake of clarity, it can be mentioned that the condition of the battery system 100, in particular the condition of the battery module 120, should be understood as indicating whether the battery system 100 can be safely used in association with the elevator system 200 or not under the defined standard / standards. It is clear from the description herein that if the analysis based on the measurement data determines that the battery system 100, in particular the battery module 120, has experienced external factors, its condition can be determined to be unacceptable and the necessary measures can be initiated as described.

[0056] As already mentioned, the two entities (i.e., the battery system 100 and the elevator system 200) include control entities, namely the battery management unit 110 and the control unit 210. The respective entities are configured to control operations to evaluate the handling of the battery system 100 during a monitoring period. Figure 3A non-limiting example of such a control entity is schematically shown. A device configurable to operate as a control entity includes a processor 310 and a memory 320. The memory 320 may store data, such as the described data fragments, but may also store computer program code 325 that causes operations in the described manner. The device may also include a communication interface 330, such as a wireless communication interface or a communication interface for wired communication, or both, to communicate with the other described entities. Thus, the communication interface 330 may include one or more modems, antennas, and any other hardware and software for enabling communication, for example, under the control of the processor 310. In some embodiments, the communication interface 330 may correspond to the previously described communication interfaces referenced by 130 and 240 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Further, an I / O (input / output) component may be arranged together with the processor 310 and a portion of the computer program code 325 to provide a user interface for receiving input from a user (such as from a technician) and / or providing output to the user of the device when necessary. In particular, the user I / O component may include user input devices, such as one or more keys or buttons, a keyboard, a touch screen, or a touchpad, etc. The user I / O component may include output devices, such as a speaker, a display, or a touch screen. The components of the device may be communicatively connected to each other via a data bus that enables the transmission of data and control information between the components.

[0057] At least a portion of the memory 320 and the computer program code 325 stored therein may also be arranged together with the processor 310 to cause the device to perform at least a portion of the operations described herein. The processor 310 may be configured to read from and write to the memory 320. Although the processor 310 is depicted as a corresponding single component, it may be implemented as a corresponding one or more separate processing components. Similarly, although the memory 320 is depicted as a corresponding single component, it may be implemented as a corresponding one or more separate components, some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cache storage.

[0058] Computer program code 325 may include computer-executable instructions that, when loaded into the processors 310 of the respective control entities 110, 210, implement functions corresponding to the steps implemented in the method described more specifically below. As an example, computer program code 325 may include a computer program consisting of one or more sequences of one or more instructions. The processor 310 is capable of loading and executing the computer program by reading one or more sequences of one or more instructions included therein from the memory 320. The one or more sequences of one or more instructions may be configured to cause the device to perform as described when executed by the processor 310. Accordingly, the apparatus may include at least one processor 310 and at least one memory 320, the at least one memory 320 including computer program code 325 for one or more programs, the at least one memory 320 and the computer program code 325 being configured to, together with the at least one processor 310, cause the apparatus of the control entities 110, 210 to perform as described.

[0059] Computer program code 325 may be provided, for example, as a computer program product including at least one computer-readable non-transitory medium having the computer program code 325 stored thereon, the computer program code 325 causing the apparatus to perform the method when executed by the processor 310. The computer-readable non-transitory medium may include a memory device or a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc or another article tangibly embodying the computer program. As another example, the computer program may be provided as a signal configured to reliably transmit the computer program.

[0060] Furthermore, computer program code 325 may include proprietary applications, such as computer program code for causing the execution of operations in the manner described in the description herein.

[0061] Any of the programming functions mentioned may also be performed in firmware or hardware adapted or programmed to perform the necessary tasks.

[0062] For completeness, it is worth mentioning that the entity configured to perform the method in the role of the control entities 110, 210 may also be implemented with multiple devices, such as Figure 3 the devices schematically shown in, as a distributed computing environment corresponding to the control entities discussed. For example, one of the devices may be communicatively connected to other devices and, for example, share the data of the operation so that another device performs at least one other part of the operation. As a result, the operations performed in the distributed computing environment generate control signals indicating the distribution of responsibilities as described. For example, some steps of the operation may be shared between the battery management unit 110 and the control unit 210 of the elevator system 200.

[0063] For the sake of completeness, it is worth mentioning that the described entities, namely the battery system 100 and the elevator system 200, can be arranged to transmit data to an external entity. The external entity can be, for example, a remotely located data center, which can be implemented as a stand-alone system or a cloud computing system, or any combination thereof. In an advantageous embodiment, the data is transmitted by the elevator drive control unit 210, since the elevator drive control unit 210 is connected to the data center in an easy manner by using the communication connection established with the elevator system 200. Thus, the elevator drive control unit 210 can be configured to transmit data to the remote data center, where the data can be at least one of the following: measurement data; detection results; data describing the battery system 100. The data describing the battery system 100 can be, for example, any data obtained from the battery system 100 when connecting the battery system 100 to the elevator system 200. Such data can be, for example, identification data (such as a serial number) or data related to the manufacturing process of the battery system 100 (such as the moment of manufacture), or it can also define the nominal values of the battery system 100. These data segments can be analyzed in the data center, for example, by comparing them with reference data, and if a mismatch is found, the data center can send a control message to the elevator system 100 and the control entities therein. The control signal can be a message including data describing the prevention of the utilization of the battery system 100. In other words, the elevator drive control unit 210 can be configured, for example, to interpret the data in the message and, in the case where the data request prevents the use of the battery system 100, the control unit 210 can initiate such an operation, for example, by respectively controlling the power interfaces 150, 250.

[0064] Some other aspects of the present invention can relate to a computer-implemented method for managing the electrical energy supply from the battery system 100 to the elevator system 200. Figure 4An example of such a method is schematically shown in FIG. The method includes receiving 410 measurement data from at least one sensor 140 associated with the battery system 100. In response to the receipt of the measurement data, a detection result is generated 420 by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the condition of the battery system 100. Additionally, based on the analyzed detection result, the power supply from the battery system 100 to the elevator system 100 through the power interface 150 is controlled 430. For example, the analysis of the measurement data can be performed by comparing the measurement data with reference data. According to one embodiment, in response to the generation of a detection result indicating an acceptable condition of the battery system 100, the power supply from the battery system 100 can be enabled to supply power to the elevator system 100 through the power interface 150. The enabling of the supply can be arranged, for example, such that a computer implementing the method generates a control signal to one or more entities (such as to at least one power interface 150) to enable the supply of electrical energy. According to some example embodiments, the detection result can be transmitted from the computer to other entities. For example, if the computer implementing the method is associated with the battery system 100, it can be configured to transmit the detection result to the control unit of the elevator system 200 through the communication interface 130. Naturally, in the case where the computer resides on the elevator system 200 side, the detection result can be transmitted to the battery system 100. If the computer is external to the two mentioned entities, the computer can be configured to transmit the detection result to both the battery system 100 and the elevator system 200. According to the present invention, the method implemented by the corresponding entity can be realized such that the detection result is transmitted in at least one of the following ways: during a handshake process between the battery system 100 and the elevator system 200; at a predefined moment during the operation of the elevator system 200. Alternatively or additionally, the computer can receive at least a portion of the measurement data of the battery system 100 generated by at least one sensor 140 associated with the battery system 100. The measurement data can be received, for example, during a handshake process between the battery system 100 and the elevator system 200; at a predefined moment during the operation of the elevator system 200. Such an implementation refers to the implementation where the computer resides on the elevator system 200 side. The computer can analyze the measurement data and generate an indication, for example, at least to the battery system 100 using a control signal to indicate whether the supply of electrical energy is allowed. The method can further include additional steps as described and derivable from the foregoing description related to the battery system 100 and the elevator drive system and the elevator system 200. As already mentioned, depending on the implementation, the computer implementing the described method can reside in the battery system 100 or the elevator system 200, for example, in the elevator drive system of the elevator system 100, and can refer to the control unit of the corresponding entity, such as the battery management unit 110 or the control unit 210.In some additional embodiments, the computer can always be external to the entity in question and refers to a computing entity accessible via a communication connection, such as a server residing in a communication network, for example on behalf of a data center. For example, the server can be implemented as a stand-alone device or a distributed computing environment.

[0065] The advantages of the present invention are numerous. Generally speaking, the present invention allows for the life monitoring of the battery system and controls its use based on the events experienced by the battery system. This generally improves safety, and this is very important for elevator systems because elevator systems carry passengers who may be trapped in the elevator car in the event of a battery system failure.

[0066] The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. A battery system (100) for supplying electrical energy to an elevator system (200), the battery system (100) comprises: a battery module (120) including a plurality of battery cells (125) for storing electrical energy, a battery management unit (110) configured to obtain measurement data from at least one sensor (140) associated with the battery system (100), the at least one sensor (140) being configured to measure at least one parameter describing the influence of an external factor on the battery system (100), a communication interface (130) for communicatively connecting the battery system (100) to the elevator system (200), and a power interface (150) for transferring the electrical energy between the elevator system (200) and the battery system (100).

2. The battery system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the battery management unit (110) is configured to generate a detection result by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the condition of the battery system (100), thereby controlling the supply of electrical energy to the elevator system (100) through the power interface (150).

3. The battery system according to claim 2, wherein, the battery management unit (110) is configured to perform the analysis by comparing the measurement data with reference data.

4. The battery system (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, the battery management unit (110) is configured to, in response to the generation of a detection result indicating acceptable conditions for the battery system (100) to supply electrical energy to the elevator system (100) through the power interface (150), enable the supply of electrical energy from the battery cells (125) of the battery module (120).

5. The battery system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, the battery management unit (110) is configured to send the detection result to a control unit of the elevator system (200) through the communication interface (130).

6. The battery system (100) according to claim 5, wherein, the battery management unit (110) is configured to send the detection result in at least one of the following ways: during a handshake process between the battery system (100) and the elevator system (200); at a predefined moment during the operation of the elevator system (200).

7. The battery system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the battery management unit (110) is configured to transmit at least a part of the measurement data to a control unit of the elevator system (200).

8. The battery system (100) according to claim 7, wherein, the battery management unit (110) is configured to transmit the measurement data in at least one of the following ways: during a handshake process between the battery system (100) and the elevator system (200); at a predefined moment during the operation of the elevator system (200).

9. The battery system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the battery management unit (110) is configured to enable the supply of electrical energy from the battery cells (125) of the battery module (120) in response to receiving an indication of acceptable conditions of the battery system (100) for supplying electrical energy to the elevator system (200) from the control unit of the elevator system (200) via the power interface (150).

10. The battery system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the at least one sensor (140) is configured to measure at least one of the following parameters describing the influence of external factors on the battery system (100): acceleration, pressure, temperature, humidity.

11. An elevator drive system, comprising: an elevator drive control unit (210), the battery system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The elevator drive system according to claim 11, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is configured to receive a detection result indicating the status of the battery system (100) supplying electrical energy to the elevator system (200).

13. The elevator drive system according to claim 12, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is configured to receive the detection result in at least one of the following ways: during a handshaking process between the battery system (100) and the elevator system (200); at a predefined moment during the operation of the elevator system (200).

14. The elevator drive system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the elevator drive control unit (210) is configured to enable the supply of electrical energy from the battery system (100) via the power interface (250) in response to receiving a detection result indicating an acceptable status of the battery module.

15. The elevator drive system according to claim 11, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is configured to receive measurement data from the battery management unit (110) of the battery system (100).

16. The elevator drive system according to claim 15, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is configured to generate a detection result by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the status of the battery system (100) supplying electrical energy to the elevator system via the power interface (250).

17. The elevator drive system according to claim 16, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is configured to perform the analysis by comparing the measurement data with reference data.

18. The elevator drive system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is configured to enable the supply of electrical energy from the battery system (100) via the power interface (250) in response to the detection result corresponding to an indication of an acceptable status of the battery system (100).

19. The elevator drive system according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is further configured to transmit data to a remote data center, the data being at least one of the following: measurement data; detection results; data describing the battery system (100).

20. The elevator drive system according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein, the elevator drive control unit (210) is further configured to prevent the utilization of the battery system (100) in response to receiving a message from the remote data center.

21. An elevator system, comprising: an elevator device (230), and the elevator drive system according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

22. A computer-implemented method for managing the electrical energy supply from a battery system (100) to an elevator system (200), the method comprising: receiving measurement data from at least one sensor (140) associated with the battery system (100), generating a detection result by analyzing the measurement data to indicate the condition of the battery system (100), and controlling the electrical energy supply from the battery system (100) to the elevator system (100) through a power interface (150) according to the detection result.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, the analysis of the measurement data is performed by comparing the measurement data with reference data.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein, in response to the generation of a detection result indicating an acceptable condition for the battery system (100) to supply electrical energy to the elevator system (100) through the power interface (150), enabling the supply of electrical energy from the battery system (100).

25. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 22 to 24.

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